Nicky Cullity, director of Haslams' lettings divisions, said: "Reading is an ideal location for the serviced apartments sector, both for employees who need to be within the town, working for local companies, or for contract workers who need a centrally located base with good links into central London and other parts of the country.

"For the cost of three employees' hotel accommodation for one week, a company could pay for three weeks in a serviced apartment.

"Companies also find their contract workers are far happier to stay in a serviced apartment, rather than an anonymous hotel room.

"They have more space and can relax after a hard day as they would at home."